It is depressing that DnD is turning into a pen & paper version of a Massively Multiplayer video game. Required skill trees, power-ups per level, and arranging content per tier makes me feel sick. I like my computer games but the concepts of tanking vs range damage roles and grinding xp for items and power do not belong in my concept of rpg storytelling. Maybe the latest gen of rpg'rs or the battle-mat crowd will dig it. However, I am biased towards skill-based, story driven games.
/climbs on soap box
I think goals should be: Save the princess from the derranged necromancer.
Instead of : Achieve level 6 to wield flaming turds before you confront lvl12 necro.
In a story driven game, the lvl 1 adventurer could sell his kidney to the necromancer in exchange for the princess. He would have to cut back on the mead, but would have solved the problem and likely made a business associated out of the necro for future plot twists. Slaughtering your obstacles should never be the only way.
/climbs off soap box
just my 2cent
BTW Deluxe BRP is looking fantastic. I don't have the Magic World stuff, so I'm foaming to see how it is presented.
game on,
darkthorn